A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health and Pregnancy

Introduction to Dr. Sajjad

In today’s fast-paced world, health care is often seen as a process of treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of illness. However, Dr. Sajjad, a board-certified OB/GYN with additional certification in integrative medicine, takes a different approach. Dr. Sajjad’s practice focuses on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—providing her patients with holistic care that is comprehensive, preventive, and personal.

With over a decade of experience in women's health, Dr. Sajjad has evolved her practice to include integrative medicine. This approach blends traditional OB/GYN care with holistic techniques, focusing not only on the physical aspects of health but also addressing mental and emotional well-being. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues, enabling her to provide a deeper, more personalized level of care to each of her patients.

Her practice particularly stands out in the areas of pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum care, where she works closely with patients to ensure their bodies are prepared for a healthy pregnancy. By focusing on nutrition, lifestyle, mental health, and genetics, she helps her patients achieve optimal health, minimizing complications during pregnancy and improving overall outcomes for both mother and baby.

Episode: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy with Dr. Sajjad

When preparing for pregnancy, many women focus on the immediate changes they need to make once they conceive. However, Dr. Sajjad encourages her patients to start much earlier. According to her, preparing the body for pregnancy is one of the most important steps in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery. In this episode, Dr. Sajjad shared her holistic approach to pregnancy, outlining the stages and steps every woman should consider as they prepare for one of the most significant experiences of their lives.

1. Pre-Conception Health: Preparing the Body for Pregnancy

Dr. Sajjad emphasizes that pre-conception health is critical for optimizing fertility and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. She recommends women visit their doctor for a full health examination even before trying to conceive. By addressing any underlying deficiencies or health issues, women can prepare their bodies for pregnancy more effectively.

Key considerations in pre-conception health include:

• Vitamin and Nutrient Levels: Women should ensure that their levels of essential vitamins, such as Vitamin D, are within normal ranges. This also includes checking hemoglobin and other vital nutrients that can affect fertility.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Dr. Sajjad stresses the importance of making necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as incorporating a healthy, balanced diet and a regular exercise routine, well before conception. She also highlights the importance of emotional and mental readiness, encouraging women to focus on stress management and ensuring they are in a good emotional state before trying to conceive.

2. Genetic Counseling: Identifying Potential Risks

Dr. Sajjad also advocates for genetic counseling before pregnancy. Understanding a patient’s genetic makeup allows her to address any potential genetic issues that could affect the pregnancy. In particular, she focuses on genetic mutations, such as the MTHFR gene mutation, which can affect folic acid metabolism, potentially leading to complications during pregnancy.

She also advises patients to carefully review their family history, as conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders can influence pregnancy outcomes. Identifying these risks early allows Dr. Sajjad to create a personalized care plan that addresses both physical and genetic factors.

3. Health During Pregnancy: Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress Management

Once a woman becomes pregnant, maintaining optimal health is crucial. Dr. Sajjad focuses on ensuring her patients receive the nutrients they need while also encouraging them to remain active and manage stress effectively.

Nutrition: During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs change with each trimester. Dr. Sajjad works with her patients to ensure that they are consuming a diet rich in essential nutrients, including folic acid, iron, calcium, and Vitamin D. She also advises against processed foods and emphasizes the importance of consuming organic, whole foods that are free from harmful chemicals.

Exercise: While exercise routines vary depending on the patient, Dr. Sajjad recommends walking and light cardio as safe ways to stay active during pregnancy. These activities improve circulation, reduce stress, and help maintain mental clarity, which is particularly important during pregnancy.

Managing Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and Dr. Sajjad encourages her patients to focus on their emotional well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and natural remedies for anxiety can help manage stress levels, contributing to a healthier pregnancy for both mother and baby.

4. Postpartum Health and Recovery

Dr. Sajjad’s care extends well beyond delivery, focusing on postpartum health and recovery. She believes that the postpartum period is just as important as the pregnancy itself and works closely with her patients to ensure they have the resources and support they need during this time.

Physical Recovery: Breastfeeding is a key part of postpartum care, and Dr. Sajjad encourages women to breastfeed for at least the first year of the baby’s life, if possible. Breastfeeding provides the baby with essential nutrients and antibodies that help support a strong immune system.

Dr. Sajjad also acknowledges the importance of recovering from childbirth, whether it’s a vaginal birth or a C-section. She tailors her postpartum care to each patient’s unique situation, offering advice on physical recovery and helping new mothers regain their strength.

Mental and Emotional Recovery: Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, yet often under-addressed. Dr. Sajjad’s holistic approach aims to minimize these risks by focusing on proper nutrition, mental health support, and a strong family support system. She believes that with the right care, postpartum depression can often be avoided or minimized.

Stay tuned for future blogs, where we will dive deeper into specific areas like nutrition, supplements, managing metabolic syndromes, and more. Dr. Sajjad’s expertise in blending traditional and integrative medicine is not only transforming the way we think about women’s health but also providing practical, actionable steps for everyone to achieve better health outcomes.

See the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lLbDLtKsI8&list=PLZar0Dk3xPJX7LInqI7ZWtzCpDDmSLSyi&index=2